I love food, too!
I love food shopping. I love farmers markets, small boutiques, and of course, grocery stores. I have always loved grocery shopping. I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about this and besides the obvious answer of I’m a foodie, there is another great reason why: alone time. I have time to talk on my phone, actually read food labels, and pick up fancy cheese and fantasize about having a leisurely breakfast in bed. I can buy ooey gooey baked goods to be consumed on the way home without a little voice complaining that she never gets to eat dessert before dinner. Not only that, but all this alone time is guilt-free, because technically, I am doing something for the benefit of my family. And there is no better place to spend this quality time than the new Loblaws-Carlton.
Last night, I was treated to a private tour of this Mecca for foodies. I say treated because not only did I learn what makes this store so special, I also got to sample some of the amazing foods unique to this Loblaws. In case you didn’t know, the store is located in the former Maple Leaf Gardens, which was home not only to the hockey team, but also played host to hundreds of concerts and events, including the Beatles first-ever appearance in Canada. This rich history plays out strongly in the design of the store, from the murals on the café tables to the centre ice circle that can be found in canned goods.
Dropping the Spam “puck” at centre ice.
Not only does the store look good, but it tastes good, too. All of the food is prepared in-house under the guidance of five red-seal chefs (which means they’re really, really good chefs). Some of my favorite tastes of the night included:
The infamous Wall of Cheese.
I really tried but I just couldn’t capure an image in its entirety.
Samples of chocolate chips. Literally.
A three-hundred pound block of chocolate that gets chipped away..just for you
The outrageous deli counterSome of the best oven-roasted ham and proscuitto I’ve ever had
A wall of cupcakes.
Need I say more?
Because this store is not in my neighborhood, I can’t say that it is going to be my new go-to place for groceries. But I’m pretty sure that’s not what the concept of this store intended; besides basic groceries, it also has five different restaurants and cafes, Joe Fresh clothing, an LCBO, tons of events, and more. Think of it as a super-cool attraction in downtown Toronto, for both visitors and us natives.
While you’re there, can you pick me us some more of their house-made doughnuts?
I can not wait to check it out!! Maple Leaf Gardens will always seem odd as a Loblaws, but it looks like it is worth it!!
Looks amazing. I could live inside that wall of cheese like a little mouse. Too bad its so far…
Oh Cayla!!! it looks ah-mazing!! And I LOVE Joe Fresh! Can’t wait to check it out myself!
sample of chocolate chips….it’s my dream. God it looks amazing!
i was planning on going opening day but couldn’t. oh well, everyone needs a pilgrimage to their mecca at some point!
I could live there. *faints*
A WALL OF CHEESE!!!!! Say no more. That’s my kinda store!